They need to devote some playing time to see if Pagan has turned a corner at age 26 and if Figgy, 33, is the second coming of Rick Reed or just a journeyman amped up to pitch in front of 100 relatives and pals in his hometown.

Figueroa was fantastic tonight against a tough Brewers lineup, giving up two runs in six innings with 6 Ks. The team was high on this guy in spring training, and for the life of me I couldn't see why.

Well, now I do, and, Claudio Vargas or not, the Mets needs to give him a few more starts to see if the proverbial blind squirrel -- he's got an 8-17 career record -- found a nut.

Pagan, meanwhile, continues to do exactly what he's done since donning a Mets jersey in February -- collect hits and drive in runs. Angel boosted his average to .387 after going 2-for-4 tonight, and leads the team with 10 RBI.

CheersAaron Heilman. Tonight was Figgy's night for sure. But Willie Randolph rolled the dice and put his faith in Aaron after a rough week and the reliever came through with a scoreless eighth.

JeersJose Reyes' hammy. Tonight we heard the three words that evoke fear across Metsylvania: Jose, Reyes and hamstring. Hopefully the tightness was just an effect of a chilly night. But I'll be holding my breath until number seven is back in the lineup.